UP Institute of Civil Engineering lauds DMCI Group for unwavering support to education sector

Citing the sector’s lasting impact to nation building and progress, the University of the Philippines-Institute of Civil Engineering (UP-ICE) in Diliman, Quezon City has lauded the Consunji Group of Companies for its unwavering support for the improvement of the quality of education in the country.

UP-ICE Director Maria Antonia Tanchuling said this in appreciation for the conglomerate’s recent donations to the institution that include a 260-seat theater inside the UP-ICE main building that was named after one of the institute’s esteemed alumni and acknowledged “Grandfather of Philippine Construction Industry,” the late Engr. David M. Consunji.

“Investing on education goes a long, long way to all stakeholders from the students and to the nation as a whole. I think that’s UP’s contribution to nation-building—to produce graduates who are not only competent but at the same time who are honorable,” Tanchuling stated.

“So we’d like to thank the private sector for the support to the university all throughout these years. DMCI, the Consunji family have been supporting the university especially the ICE. We’re really very grateful for all the support that has been given to us,” she added.

Inaugurated in November 2017, the Php9.2 million-worth modern theater has hosted student assemblies, research colloquies, seminars and more recently the first recognition rites of graduating students of the UP-ICE last June 20, 2018.

“We have a large population of students so now we have a facility where we can have assembly of our students. So it’s really a big help,” she said.

Apart from the David M. Consunji Theater, DMCI Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries donated for the construction of various facilities and scholarships to the UP-ICE including professorial chair and teaching grants, lecture room, and canteen.

DMCI Homes and Dacon Corporation together with Friends of Engr. David M. Consunji also donated early this year Php7.5 million for the setting up of UP ICE’s computational laboratory which is expected to be operational this coming school year 2018-2019.

DMCI Homes Executive Treasurer Edwina Consunji-Laperal, on the other hand, expressed her gratitude to the University of the Philippines for allowing her family to become part of the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence.

“For us, this is a way to honor the memory of our late father, Engr. David M. Consunji, who always believed in the importance of education and continuous learning. For him, these are critical in the evolution and advancement of the industry that he was truly passionate about,” Laperal said.